Here’s a simple and versatile recipe for a butter board featuring a variety of flavored compound butters and complementary accompaniments:
Ingredients:
# For the Compound Butters:
1. **Herb and Garlic Butter:**
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, or thyme), finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
2. **Maple Cinnamon Butter:**
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
For the Accompaniments:
– Freshly baked baguette slices
– Assorted crackers
– Sliced radishes
– Cherry tomatoes, halved
– Grapes or apple slices
– Soft and hard cheeses (Brie, Cheddar, Gouda, etc.)
– Nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Compound Butters:**
– For the Herb and Garlic Butter, combine softened butter with chopped herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
– For the Maple Cinnamon Butter, mix softened butter with maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
2. **Shape the Compound Butters:**
– Spoon each flavored butter onto the board, shaping them into mounds or spreading them out in a decorative pattern.
3. **Arrange the Accompaniments:**
– Place the accompaniments around the compound butters on the board. Distribute the baguette slices, crackers, sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, grapes, cheese, and nuts evenly.
4. **Garnish (Optional):**
– Optionally, you can garnish the compound butters with a few fresh herb sprigs or a drizzle of honey.
5. **Serve:**
– Set the butter board on the table and invite guests to enjoy a variety of flavors by pairing the compound butters with different accompaniments.
This butter board is great for entertaining, brunch, or as a delightful appetizer before a meal. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what’s in season. Enjoy your butter board!
